BPR

Playbook Spring/Summer 2021

Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide

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I can only imagine you all have been looking forward to springtime as much as I have. For me, this spring is the time to restore and re-imagine our lives following what can only be called a year for the record books. The trials of 2020 are not over in 2021, despite the arrival of spring. As a department in the City of Bellingham, we continually work to identify and dismantle systemic racism, evade an evolving virus, increase equity in our service and programs, and improve resilience to climate change. The big issues of 2020 remain top priorities, but I am relishing the small rewards too; blooming trees, noisy masked children on school playgrounds, team sport practices, vaccines, making summer vacation plans. As we reopen our recreation facilities and plan for summer programs and events, our staff is constantly examining health guidance and innovating solutions. Please bear with us as we reopen. Sometimes we can't do all that is permitted by state and local health officials. We are still understaffed and in recovery mode but are working diligently to fill vacant positions and staff up for summer. What we are doing is very exciting. Things like starting up swim lessons at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, resuming reservations (starting June 1) for picnic shelters and open space, offering summer day-camps and volunteer work parties, and starting work on several new projects in the park system (see the inside back cover page for the new slide coming to Maritime Heritage Park). As Robin Williams said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party.'" I hope you all are finding something fun to do to reward yourself for getting through this last year. This Playbook is dedicated to all of you and your commitment to support each other, our community's health and well-being, and our recovery. Let's party (responsibly of course)! Stay safe everyone. Nicole C. Oliver Parks & Recreation Director SPRING INTO RECOVERY Director's Letter "Buzz" by Zach Griffin www.cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 1

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